Elon Musk’s Starlink has reportedly reapplied to India’s space regulator, IN-SPACe, for approval to deploy its next-generation Gen 2 satellite constellation. The proposed network could involve nearly 30,000 low-Earth-orbit satellites and includes direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, allowing compatible mobile phones to connect directly with satellites without specialised ground equipment. The fresh application marks Starlink’s renewed push into India’s satellite communications market after earlier regulatory hurdles. The move comes as India develops rules for satellite-based mobile connectivity and spectrum access. If approved, Starlink could expand connectivity in remote and underserved areas while competing with other satellite communication providers. (PC: Reuters)

Hyderabad-born researcher Rohan Naidu has drawn attention for his remarkable journey from engineering dropout to contributing to a significant discovery involving a black hole and a star. After leaving engineering, Naidu pursued his interest in astronomy and astrophysics, eventually entering the field through research. His work reportedly helped scientists identify an unusual celestial system involving a black hole and a companion star, offering valuable insights into how such extreme objects interact and evolve. The discovery highlights the importance of perseverance and curiosity in scientific research. Naidu’s journey has also inspired attention in India, demonstrating how unconventional academic paths can lead to important achievements in astronomy. (PC: X)

Vinay Maheshwari, an Indian man from Indore, was laid off from his job in the US while working on an H-1B visa. With only 60 days to find another employer, he applied for hundreds of jobs but failed to secure one. As his savings quickly ran out, Maheshwari took up a cleaning job at a hostel in North Carolina in exchange for room and board. He later returned to India and wrote a book, Rerouted, inspired by his experience. Maheshwari said his story highlights the uncertainty faced by workers dependent on H-1B visas. (PC: HT)

Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar criticised Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari over his remarks about the country’s Hindu minority. Zardari said Pakistan “tolerates” its 3-4% Hindu population and claimed Hindus were free in the country. Reacting on X, Akhtar objected to the use of the word “tolerate” and took a dig at Zardari’s old “Mr 10 per cent” nickname, which became associated with past corruption allegations that Zardari has denied. Akhtar said Zardari had been “insensitive” to everything “less than 10 per cent”, drawing attention to the president’s controversial past nickname. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has cited India’s election system and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar while backing the SAVE America Act. The proposed US bill seeks proof of citizenship for voter registration, mandatory photo identification and tighter rules for mail-in ballots. India’s nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR), led by the Election Commission, focuses on verifying and updating electoral rolls to identify eligible voters and remove ineligible entries. While both measures stress voter verification and election integrity, the SIR is a voter-roll revision exercise, whereas the SAVE America Act proposes changes to US federal election laws, including stricter voting and mail-ballot requirements. (PC: India Today)

The chances of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visiting India before the BRICS Summit are “very slim”, his foreign affairs adviser Humayun Kabir has said. Kabir said a visit would depend on a change in the Indian leadership's approach towards Bangladesh.   India has reportedly invited Rahman for a bilateral visit and the BRICS Summit outreach session in New Delhi on September 12-13. Kabir said media reports about a confirmed visit were based on assumptions.   He said Bangladesh would take a positive view of attending the summit if both countries create a suitable environment through consensus on key issues. (PC: HT)

A woman fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force was part of the strike mission that hit the Lashkar-e-Taiba headquarters in Muridke during Operation Sindoor, according to defence and security sources. The officer reportedly flew a Su-30MKI during the 87-hour conflict with Pakistan last year. Sources said more than one woman fighter pilot took part in missions targeting military locations, flying Su-30MKIs and Rafale aircraft as pilots or Weapon System Operators. On the first day of Operation Sindoor, India struck nine targets, including terror facilities in Muridke and Bahawalpur.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor visited Srinagar’s historic Pari Mahal on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, during his two-day India visit. It marked his first trip to Jammu and Kashmir as US ambassador, coming after a relatively long interval since an active US envoy visited the region. Gor described Jammu and Kashmir as an “important” part of India and praised its natural beauty. He also met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar to discuss deepening ties between the Union Territory and the US in tourism and horticulture. Pari Mahal, a seven-terraced Mughal-era garden atop the Zabarwan mountain range, overlooks Dal Lake and remains a prominent Srinagar landmark.

Indian-origin Lakshmanan Meyyappan set a Guinness World Record after qualifying as the world’s youngest male chartered accountant at age 16. Now 21, the Dubai-based Meyyappan’s social media profile says he specialises in investment analysis and market insights. It also describes his interest in designing and building watches during his free time. Guinness World Records states Meyyappan was 16 years and 170 days old when he qualified in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on June 30, 2021. Reflecting on the achievement, Meyyappan said he once imagined chasing swimming records like Adam Peaty before completing ACCA a year later. He credited his teachers at PwC Academy Middle East. (PC: X)

US Ambassador and special envoy Sergio Gor’s first visit to Jammu and Kashmir in six years has triggered a diplomatic row after he called the Union Territory “an important part of India” during his Srinagar visit on August 19. Pakistan strongly rejected the remarks and summoned US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker in Islamabad. Gor met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to discuss regional development, bilateral ties and deeper US-J&K engagement, including tourism and the economy. He also indicated Washington could review its Level 4 “do not travel” advisory for J&K, citing improved security. A downgrade could benefit local businesses, with tourism accounting for 7% of the region’s GDP. Mehbooba Mufti also urged the US to reconsider the advisory.